The anchor has finally been lifted. It is the certified pre-owned program from Hyundai. On October 24, Hyundai officially opened its certified pre-owned car brand, ‘Hyundai Genesis Certification,’ and began full-scale sales. Instead of utilizing direct sales showrooms for existing customers, Hyundai chose an online approach for certified pre-owned vehicle sales.
Through a dedicated certified pre-owned vehicle website and a dedicated smartphone app, consumers can quickly and conveniently access certified pre-owned vehicles guaranteed by Hyundai with just a click, directly from the comfort of their own homes.
To spotlight on the certified pre-owned sales website, vehicles must pass rigorous standards: 272 criteria for Hyundai models and 287 for Genesis models. Hyundai’s certified pre-owned vehicles are only those that are within five years or have less than 100,000 kilometers. For car purchases, they only accept vehicles that are within eight years or have less than 120,000 kilometers. Additionally, customers who buy a Hyundai certified pre-owned vehicle can receive a discount when purchasing a new Hyundai vehicle.
Registration is easy; with just a Hyundai ID, customers can log in and search through the smartphone app or website. After logging in with account verification, entering the license plate number of their current vehicle allows customers to check the current market value. If satisfied with the market price, they can simply click the ‘Sell My Car’ button to start the vehicle sale process.
Once the current vehicle inquiry feature is complete, they can choose to browse either Hyundai certified pre-owned vehicles or Genesis vehicles. I clicked on the Hyundai certified pre-owned vehicle button and entered the dedicated Hyundai website.
The website has made it easy for customers to find their desired models by including popular keywords like #GrandeurGN7 #NearNewUsedCars #UsedCarsUnder3YearsOld.
By clicking on the desired model and reviewing detailed specifications, customers can view the exterior and interior photos, undercarriage shots, tire wear, air quality comfort index, insurance history, and remaining warranty period, allowing consumers to thoroughly evaluate their options. Additionally, customers can listen to engine sounds for pure internal combustion engine models, excluding electrified models, before making a purchase.
During my search for listings, popular models like the Palisade displayed a notice stating they were already in contract processing, showcasing how eagerly consumers have been waiting for certified pre-owned vehicles. The prices presented include the vehicle price, delivery fee, registration transfer cost, and registration transfer agency fee in the total price. Before the final payment, customers can decide whether to purchase in cash (credit card) or through installments, with installment plans ranging from 12 to 60 months at an interest rate of 6%. Upon purchasing a vehicle, a down payment of 300,000 won is required to proceed with the subsequent payment process.
Hyundai has launched an online sales approach, avoiding the direct sales network of showrooms, allowing customers to shop for their desired car easily, anytime and anywhere as if they were buying from an online store. Moreover, detailed content and service guarantees aim to enhance customer peace of mind.
The used car market has long been associated with trust issues, often referred to as a ‘lemon market.’ However, with Hyundai’s entry into the certified pre-owned vehicle market, consumer trust and confidence have grown significantly. It is hoped that Hyundai’s certified pre-owned vehicles bring positive change to an industry that has been shrouded in consumer skepticism.
By Jung Jin-seok daedusj@autodiary.kr